While the base goal of running a salon is to offer services such as haircuts and facials, there’s a bit more to it. If you want to stay in business for a long time, your main priority should be to give your clients a memorable experience they’ll want to return to again and again.
But with so many options for beauty services these days, how can your salon stand out among the crowd? We’ve compiled 10 tried-and-true tips that will help your salon business appeal to clients so well, they’ll be lining up around the block. Let’s make your salon the talk of the town!
1. Create a Welcoming and Aesthetically Pleasing Environment
First impressions are everything. The moment a client steps into your salon, they should feel welcomed, relaxed, and excited! Consider everything from your choice of lighting to the aroma in the air. Investing in sleek furniture, modern décor, and cozy touches like plush seating can instantly level up your space. Don’t forget to consider the importance of a curated playlist, something that can add an extra layer of relaxation or energy, depending on your salon’s vibe.
Most importantly, though, you’ll want to create a space to actually welcome and serve your clients. This space is known as the reception area. Set up a stylish hostess desk and make sure someone is always behind it, ready to greet guests and check them in. Your clients will feel much more welcome if you pull this off.
2. Provide Exceptional Customer Service
You can have the fanciest décor and great services, but if your staff isn’t friendly, clients won’t stick around. This extends past the reception area. You’ll need to train your entire team to greet every customer with a smile, listen to their needs carefully, and go above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.
If you want to take this concept even further, something as simple as offering a complimentary coffee, tea, or small treats during their visit can leave a lasting impression. This will certainly get people talking about your business with their friends and family.
3. Build a Strong and Skilled Team
It’s no secret that your team is the heart of your salon. Hiring skilled stylists and estheticians who are passionate about their work is crucial—but don’t stop there. Foster a positive work environment where employees feel valued and inspired to grow. Regular team-building activities and skill workshops can keep your staff motivated and cohesive.
When your team is happy, their energy radiates to the clients, creating a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Plus, they’ll feel more motivated at work, which will lead to them providing even better services, something your clients will definitely take notice of.
4. Offer a Wide Range of Services and Customization Options
Clients love options! Whether they’re looking for a bold new hairstyle, a quick mani-pedi touch-up, or a spa day filled with skincare magic, ensure your menu of services caters to various needs.
Outside of that, be sure to offer some room for customization within each service. For example, allow clients to choose their favorite nail polish brand or customize add-ons like a deep conditioning treatment after a blowout. The more personalized the experience, the more satisfied your clients will feel with their final look.
5. Stay Up-to-Date With Industry Trends and Techniques
The beauty industry is always evolving, and so should your salon. Stay ahead of the curve by learning about the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in hair, nails, and skin services. Whether it’s offering ombré nail art or introducing clean beauty products, clients will appreciate your fresh perspective.
It’s also a good idea to attend industry expos and workshops or encourage your stylists to upskill with training courses. Just remember that there’s always room to improve, and the best salons are those that never stop innovating.
6. Utilize Social Media and Online Marketing Strategies
If your salon isn’t on Instagram yet, you’re really missing out. Social media is one of the best ways to make your salon appeal to clients. That’s because it’s invaluable for showing off your work, engaging with your audience, and promoting special offers. An active presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can help you connect with clients and showcase your unique brand personality.
Don’t forget about Google My Business and Yelp! These platforms can boost your local visibility and make it easier for clients to find you. Once you’ve nailed the basics, try experimenting with video content like tutorials or behind-the-scenes clips to really capture people’s attention.
7. Partner With Local Businesses and Influencers
Think beyond your salon walls and build connections within your local community. Partnering with nearby coffee shops, florists, or boutiques for cross-promotions can attract new clients for both businesses!
If you’re starting to gain traction online, collaborating with influencers in the area is another great way to expand your reach. Think about hosting events like styling demos or a “spa night” in partnership with others. These collaborations create excitement for your salon and show clients you care about being a valuable part of the community.
8. Offer Online Booking and Easy Scheduling
In a digital-first world, making booking appointments quick and easy to access from anywhere is crucial. Online booking platforms allow clients to make appointments at their convenience—even in the middle of the night! Plus, these systems can send confirmation emails and reminders, which your forgetful clients will love. An intuitive booking system saves time for both you and your customers while adding a layer of professionalism.
9. Implement a Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs are another game-changer worth considering. Most clients appreciate being rewarded for their repeat visits. Whether it’s a digital punch card system or a points-based program, giving perks like free services, product discounts, or add-ons can motivate your clients to stay loyal. It doesn’t have to be complicated; even a simple “Buy five blowouts, get one free” card can go a long way. Give clients a reason to keep coming back, and many of them will.
10. Encourage and Act on Client Feedback
If you want to know what your clients are thinking, ask them! Whether it’s a casual chat during their visit or a follow-up email survey, collecting feedback is invaluable. Pay close attention to what they love and what you could improve.
Most importantly, act on that feedback. If multiple clients mention that the music is too loud or mention wanting more organic product options, make those changes. Not enough salons actually make these kinds of changes, which leads to clients eventually finding a place that does listen to them. While not every request is necessarily reasonable, clients appreciate being heard. As long as you make an attempt to keep everyone happy, you should see a positive uptick in the number of clients you service regularly.